Sri Lanka President condemns the killing of Lasantha Wickramatunga

Colombo, 08 January, (Asiantribune.com): Sri Lanka President has condemned the killing of Lasantha Wickramatunga, Editor of The Sunday Leader, which took place today.

In a statement President Mahinda Rajapakse pointed out that "This heinous crime points to the grave dangers faced by the democratic social order of our country, and the existence of forces that will go to the furthest extremes in using terror and criminality to damage our social fabric and bring disrepute to the country."

He further said that the Police has been directed to conduct the most thorough investigation to bring to book any and all persons responsible for this act of brutality, with maximum speed.

Given below the full text of the statement of Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse on the murder of Lasantha Wickramatunga, Editor of The Sunday Leader :

"My government and I most vehemently and unequivocally condemn the murder of Mr. Lasantha Wickramatunga, Editor of The Sunday Leader, which took place today.

"I am both grieved and shocked by his tragic death as Mr. Wickramatunga was a close friend of mine who I have known for many years as a courageous journalist.

"This heinous crime points to the grave dangers faced by the democratic social order of our country, and the existence of forces that will go to the furthest extremes in using terror and criminality to damage our social fabric and bring disrepute to the country. It is significant that such an attack was carried out at a time when the country is gaining repeated victories over the forces of terrorism, in our efforts to establish freedom and democracy throughout the country.

"I have directed the Police to conduct the most thorough investigation to bring to book any and all persons responsible for this act of brutality, with maximum speed.

"On this sad occasion I extend my deepest sympathies to the members of the family of the late Mr. Wickramatunga, to all his colleagues in The Sunday Leader and associated newspapers, and in the profession of journalism.

Despite grave threats of this nature, my government reiterates its commitment to upholding the principles of Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression, even under the most trying circumstances, as we have witnessed today."